Arsenal hands Eddie Nketiah contract ultimatum

Arsenal have offered Eddie Nketiah their final offer of a new contract with striker’s suitors now convinced he will stay at the Emirates.

A host of clubs were hoping to sign Nketiah on a free transfer when his contract expires in six weeks.

But there is a growing feeling amongst the striker’s interested parties that Nketiah is now minded to stay with the Gunners.

Sportsmail revealed earlier this month that Arsenal were preparing one last attempt to persuade Nketiah to stay after the striker rejected previous extension offers.

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And it is understood the club’s new offer has now been formally offered to Nketiah – with sources claiming the striker is ready to stay at the club.

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The 22-year-old is out of contract next month; West Ham, Crystal Palace and numerous clubs abroad were hoping to take Nketiah on a free transfer.

Nketiah finished the season as the club’s first-choice striker and scored five goals in the final seven games.

Mikel Arteta has made clear, however, that he wants to keep Nketiah and there is growing optimism behind the scenes at Arsenal that their academy prospect is minded to stay.